§ 45. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that at present there are many needy and deserving classes of persons who are ineligible for receiving unemployment benefit and widows' pensions under the various pensions and insurance schemes, he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to report on the various outstanding points connected with same in order that a review of the whole field of pensions and insurances can again be considered?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)The facts as regards the scope of the social insurance schemes are, I think, already well known, and, as the hon. Member is aware, a number of extensions have recently been made. I do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission would serve any useful purpose.
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider the special case of old age pensioners?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question does not relate to old age pensioners.
§ 71. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered the possibility of extending the old age pensions schemes so as to provide pensions for the wives of recipients on reaching the age of 50 years, and also to increase the pensions of single persons to 15s. a week; and whether he will take steps to confirm that contributors to State insurance schemes would willingly contribute to the cost of such extensions?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)The two proposals in the question are variants of schemes which have been considered from time to time and found to be impracticable. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the readiness of present contributors to increase their contributions does not dispose of the question of cost to public funds. If the changes proposed were to be brought into immediate operation (as I assume to be the intention) a charge would have to be imposed on the Exchequer (additional to any share which it bore of the contributions) until the time, many years ahead, when the pension list consisted entirely of persons who had contributed on the extended basis since their entrance into industry.
Mr. StewartDoes not my right hon. and gallant Friend appreciate the very considerable demand in all parts of the country for some improvement in the condition of these old people; and is it not, therefore, appropriate for a special examination to be made of that problem?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleMy hon. Friend's question related to an inquiry as to whether contributors would be willing to contribute further. I pointed out that that does not really govern the situation, but the increased charge on public funds.
§ Miss WilkinsonIs it not the case that a charge on public funds need not necessarily govern the situation, in view of the fact that, if two persons are trying to live on 10s. a week, obviously, public 26 funds have to come to the rescue; and would it not be better to save them from the poor Law?
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIn view of the fact that almost every day questions are put from all sides of the House, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the Prime Minister as to the desirability of having a day to discuss this matter and leave it to a free vote of the House?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThat is not a matter for which I could answer.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with his right hon. Friend and ask him to make proposals in the next Budget in order to meet the situation?